CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A GPS device installed on a Kanawha County ambulance helped Charleston police quickly chase down the man whole stole the vehicle Wednesday morning.
Charleston Police Chief Steve Cooper said Barry Massey, of Boone County, faces a number of charges after allegedly taking the ambulance near CAMC General where Massey had just been treated.
It started at little after 7 a.m. when Kanawha County Ambulance Authority crew had stopped at headquarters along Brooks Street to get some supplies. The crew followed protocol and left the ambulance running. That’s when Massey took it, Cooper said.
Police began pursuing the vehicle north on Greenbrier Street then to Rutledge Road where Massey refused to stop. The pursuit continued to Mill Creek Road.
“Ultimately the ambulance bottomed out because the road conditions were so bad out there. Mr. Massey bailed out of the ambulance, attempted to flee down a very steep hillside. At that point he was arrested and subdued,” Cooper said.
Massey was taken to CAMC for treatment of some minor injuries. He will be arraigned on several charges including fleeing with reckless disregard and fleeing with grand larceny, Cooper said.
“It’s a bit of a public safety issue in a lot of ways. We’re very glad the GPS was there and the police officers were able to get there quickly and get the ambulance back and take Mr. Massey into custody,” Cooper said.
The ambulance authority had a mechanic check out the ambulance and then it was put back into service.